One of those days for Chard 2nd XV

A TOUGH, frustrating day for Chard when everything that could go wrong – did.

However, the scoreline doesn’t lie and Chard were beaten out of sight, but for their endeavour and attempts at creativity a couple of tries would have been fitting and probably a fairer reflection on the game.

As with many games this season, Chard lost this game upfront; with the smallest, lightest pack in the league, the forwards always have a mountain to climb.

The other factor is, the team need to start well – but didn’t in this match with the hosts straight into their stride and straight away enjoying dominance of possession and territory.

For the entire first quarter, Chard were encamped in their 22, defending their line with Wellington sending attack after attack – inevitably, they got through and developed a comfortable lead.

With limited opportunity, the visitors did show some sparkle in attack, here and there, the backs have the pace and skills to threaten any team but, on this day, passes went astray and opportunities lost.

As the frustrations mounted with the scoreline, it was obviously going to be one of those days, but there were some brighter moments, too.

Team discipline was much better; prop David Biss returned from injury and showed again that he’s the best loose head in the league; new hooker Sam Duke endured a tough match but got through a lot of hard work; and Gabriel Riley again impressed with his competitiveness and work rate.

Fly half Sam Mouland did the best he could under the circumstances, emerging with credit, and the midfield pairing of Matt Tinley and George Herbert have a class look about them and caused some panic in the Wellington defence – and, with more ball, who knows?